Man Accused of Beating Uber Driver for Refusing Sexual Advances

VERO BEACH – An Uber driver called law enforcement after his passenger starting beating him after refusing his sexual advances, according to the Vero Beach Police Department.

James Capas, 51, was arrested for Disorderly Conduct, Battery, and Criminal Mischief.

Vero Beach police were dispatched to the Howard Johnson hotel located at 1725 U.S. Highway 1 about a disturbance involving Capas.

The Uber driver said he picked up Capas on 15th Avenue. On the way to the hotel, Capas made “unsolicited verbal sexual advances” to the driver, the report said. When the driver declined the advances, Capas become hostile, according to the affidavit.

Once they arrive at the Howard Johnson, Capas screamed “you fu**ing fa**ot” and ripped the keys out of the car’s ignition while it was running. The Uber driver then grabbed Capas’ arm but was then “elbowed” in the face. The driver held Capas in a “choke hold” until he agreed to leave the vehicle, reports show.

Officers observed some minor damage to the dashboard, as well as the key to the vehicle after it was forcefully removed from the ignition, the affidavit said.

Capas, who had a strong odor of alcohol when he spoke, stated that the Uber driver struck him on the way to the hotel. He said the driver was yelling and cursing at him, the report said. Capas admitted to having a “few beers” before being picked up and was just trying to check into the hotel for the night, the report said.

Capas was arrested and transported to the Indian River County Jail. He has since been released after posting $9,000 bond.

DISCLAIMER: Arrests and mugshots were made public by complaint affidavits, arrest affidavits, and police reports. All persons arrested are innocent until proven guilty.

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About Scott Lee

Scott Lee is a columnist and reporter for Sebastian Daily. Scott moved to Indian River County in 2015 and has been writing for various publications for approximately 30 years.
Currently, he writes part-time and manages a featured column about local businesses in Sebastian and Vero Beach.